Northwestern State Senior Diamante Gumbs had a successful showing in his first outdoor competition of the 2024 season at the McNeese Cowboy Relays in Los Angeles over the weekend, winning the Men’s Discus event and placing second in the Men’s Hammer.
Diamante’s second attempt of 49.69 metres in the discus throw pushed him to first, but it was his fourth and sixth attempts that guaranteed him the gold, managing 52.40 metres and a winning 52.68 metres respectively. Second place went to teammate Tarajh Hudson who had a best throw of 49.69 metres.
In the Men’s Hammer, Diamante faced some challenges with foul trouble, managing only two legal throws. His fourth attempt, reaching 53.71 meters, secured him a well-deserved silver medal. Tyler Challis of McNeese State took the top spot with a winning distance of 54.11 meters.
Meanwhile, Diamante’s twin brother Djimon Gumbs, also representing Northwestern State University, made a significant impact at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Boston on Saturday.
Djimon’s throw of 18.60 meters in the shot put earned him a 13th-place finish, placing above competitors from the Big Ten. This accomplishment secured Djimon a spot as a Second Team All-American, marking the second consecutive season that a Northwestern State athlete has earned this recognition. Teammate Zachaeus Beard achieved the same feat in 2023 in the 60-meter dash.
Djimon’s performance stood out among non-power schools, finishing ahead of Liberty’s Warren Barrett, who secured the 16th position.